A Brief History of the Easter Bunny (and Why He’s So Into Eggs)
A fun and quirky dive into how the Easter Bunny came to be a thing
Let’s hop down the bunny trail of history and unravel how this fluffy character became such a central (and slightly confusing) part of Easter celebrations.
****** Where Did the Easter Bunny Come From? ******
The origins of the Easter Bunny trace back to pre-Christian traditions. Ancient civilizations, especially in Europe, celebrated the arrival of spring with festivals honoring fertility and new life. And what better symbol of fertility than a rabbit? Rabbits are known for their, ahem, enthusiastic reproduction habits, so they became powerful symbols of life, renewal, and abundance.
Enter Ēostre, a Germanic pagan goddess of spring and fertility. Her sacred animal? You guessed it—the hare. As Christianity spread, many pagan customs were blended into religious traditions, and the hare slowly hopped its way into Easter celebrations.
****** But What’s With the Eggs? ******
Eggs have long been associated with new life and rebirth—fitting symbols for spring. In Christianity, the egg also came to represent the resurrection of Jesus, with the hard shell symbolizing the sealed tomb and cracking it open symbolizing His rise from the dead.
Before chocolate versions became the norm, real eggs were dyed red (to represent the blood of Christ) and given as gifts. Over time, the act of dyeing and decorating eggs became a fun, family-friendly tradition.
****** When Did the Bunny Start Delivering Eggs? ******
The idea of a bunny actually delivering eggs first appeared in the 1700s, thanks to German immigrants who brought the tradition of the “Osterhase” (Easter hare) to America. Children would build little nests for the hare to lay its colored eggs in, often leaving out carrots as a treat—much like today’s Santa traditions.
Eventually, the nests turned into baskets, and the eggs multiplied into chocolate treats, toys, and other goodies. And just like that, the Easter Bunny as we know it was born: a lovable, slightly mysterious creature who brings joy and sugar to kids everywhere.
****** Why Do We Still Love the Easter Bunny? ******
Sure, it doesn’t technically make sense that a mammal delivers eggs. But the Easter Bunny’s whimsical, friendly nature has made it an enduring symbol of springtime joy. Whether you celebrate the religious side of Easter or just enjoy the seasonal traditions, the bunny has a way of bringing people together—with a little magic and a lot of candy.
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At its core, the Easter Bunny is about new life, fresh starts, and joy. And whether you’re painting eggs, filling baskets, or just enjoying a marshmallow Peep (or two… or twelve), you’re part of a tradition that’s evolved over centuries—and still manages to surprise and delight.
So go ahead, embrace the bunny.
After all, what’s spring without a little magic?